NSW Government introduces tougher fines for pollution offences

On 29 August 2014 stricter ‘on the spot’ fines were introduced for particular offences under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act). The changes are in line with the with increased efforts to deter corporations and individuals from committing pollution offences in light of a string of asbestos related dumping cases coming before the Land and Environment Court.

Under the new laws corporations are subject to a maximum of $15,000 fine for failure to comply with clean-up notices, air pollution offences, transportation of asbestos waste and unlawful use of land as a waste facility. Individuals are subjected to a maximum of $8,000 fines for the same environmental law infringements. For a failure to notify about pollution incidents corporations are subjected to a maximum fine of $8,000 and individuals $4,000. The new laws will also allow authorised officers of local councils to issue penalty notices under the POEO Act rather than needing to prosecute environmental law offences in Court.

MatthewsFolbigg Lawyers, Parramatta, are specialist environmental lawyers who are able to advise in relation to all matters relating to governance, planning and environmental law. Call an expert environmental lawyer today on 1800 300 308.

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